This page contains brief reviews of books in the following categories -
Books about Environmental Illness and and Health Care -
Books about Nutrition -
Books about Healthy Buildings -
Books about a Healthy Business -
Here is a list of links to some on-line bookstores -
Please note - this book does list Rocky Mountain Environmental Health Association - BUT - it has an old contact telephone number. Do NOT call 303/922-0090 to contact RMEHA. But do call 303/459-0181 to contact the Rocky Mountain Environmental Health Association.
This is a 275 page book that covers many of the aspects of chemical sensitivity. Ranging from a basic picture of chemical sensitivity, coping with it, legal, financial, and medical resources. An entire chapter covers documenting chemical sensitivity, both for medical support and for claims such as Worker's Compensation. There is an extensive bibliography with 822 citations from throughout the medical literature.
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This book reviews the research into MCS, along with treatment strategies. A second section reviews the legal resources available to people with MCS, such as worker's compensation and liability suits. The third section covers the medical opposition to MCS and how that has made things worse for people with the disease.
This book defines chemical sensitivity, its effects, and strategies for dealing with the health condition. It contains a comprehensive listing of resource on documenting, and expert opinions. An appendix provides detoxification information.
This book provides an extensive detoxification therapy so MCS sufferers can make an informed choice about using the procedure. Symptoms of MCS are discussed, along with current medical information about MCS.
This book presents a question and answer discussion of the exposures to perfume, smoke, air fresheners, cleaning products, exhaust, and other air contaminants and goes on to show how they are linked to symptoms such as headaches,, asthma, and fatigue.
This book presents medical literature on the chronic health effects from exposures to toxicants and the social cost of these disorders. along with relevant historic and human rights documents, recommendations for public policy and legislation, and the main obstacles faced by public health advocates.
Professor Pall's book, which provides detailed information on his disease theory that he has been talking and writing about for several years, covers his proposed explanation for the internal mechanisms of many multisystem illnesses - chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), fibromyalgia (FM), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Gulf War syndrome (GWS). He says the mechanism common to these illnesses, and many others, is a vicious cycle of internal neural injury that releases nitric oxide that is poorly detoxified by the body. That in turn causes another toxic oxidation product, peroxynitrite, to build up.
The first chapter gives an overview of the NO/ONOO (nitric oxide/peroxynitrite) cycle and its possible application to all these illnesses. Another chapter offers an extensive presentation of the biochemical pathways involved, and their properties. He goes on to explain how the NO/ONOO cycle can generate the symptoms that are seen by people with these multisystem illnesses, and discusses the ramifications of this model for potential refinements in medical nomenclature. The model also suggests therapies that may relieve the NO/ONOO cycle.
Separate chapters cover CFS, MCS, FM, PTSD, and GWS in detail, and discuss how the NO/ONOO cycle applies to them.
The chapter on MCS is lengthy, since this condition has some of the most puzzling symptoms. Pall discusses several features of MCS that have been known for a long time, but whose mechanisms has remained puzzling (e.g., far higher sensitivity than the general population, and large variations among individuals in symptoms) and discusses aspects of the NO/ONOO cycle that appear to explain them.
The book devotes a chapter to various stressors - which are substances expected to aggravate the NO/ONOO cycle - and their possible treatments, along with a few social implications. The common stressors - such as pesticides, petrochemical-based fragrances, and building chemicals - are discussed in some detail.
Therapies covered in detail include either avoiding exacerbation of the NO/ONOO cycle, or diminishing it, both of which are familiar approaches to those with MCS. Antioxidant therapies are discussed in detail, addressing both the limitations of current practice, and implications for comprehensive therapies. Among the familiar antioxidants discussed are vitamin C, CoenzymeQ10 (or ubiquinol), selenium, various carotenoids, various flavonoids, carnitine, acetyl carnitine, hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B12), folic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, magnesium, and several other minerals.
The book mentions one important stressor of the NO/ONOO cycle is thimerosal, the mercury-containing preservative that used to be present in many vaccines. Critics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., author of the lengthy 2005 article "Deadly Immunity," have said that the agency accepted as long ago as 2000 that thimerosal causes serious health problems such as autism.
The agency still doesn't publicly acknowledge that connection, but it appears that the extensive criticism of thimerosal in vaccines has led to the elimination of this material in many vaccines, according to the Institute for Vaccine Safety, an organization affiliated with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
However, some vaccines, such as many of those for influenza and tetanus, apparently still contain thimerosal. And some of the vaccines that don't are likely to be more expensive, and may have to be specially ordered.
Dr. Pall mentions several environmental medicine physicians around the country who are using variations of therapies suggested by his theory, and discusses their protocols, and how their treatments fit with the NO/ONOO cycle. In general, these physicians report seeing significant improvements in some of their patients. However, a number of patients have reported significant problems with tolerating at least portions of the prescribed therapies.
One chapter goes into considerable discussion about "What about those who say it's all in your head?" Summaries from several psychiatric specialists are cited, and their shortcomings are discussed in detail. The chapter ends up with the question: "What is the future of psychogenesis for multisystem illnesses?" The author's answer: "I believe there is none."
Dr. Pall also discusses the implications and possible applications of the NO/ONOO cycle for other health conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism, chronic whiplash associated disorder, multiple sclerosis, overtraining syndrome, Parkinson's disease, postherpetic syndrome, postradiation syndrome, silicone implant associated syndrome, Sudek's atrophy, and tinnitus.
This book, though not always indexed in a rigorous way, gives a detailed framework to support people with the multisystem illnesses, and hopefully will encourage development of further medical support for these people. It should be on the bookshelf of everyone with a multisystem illness.
Much more and recent information is available at Dr. Pall's web site -
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Dr. Randolph is known as the "Father of Clinical Ecology." Clinical Ecology was an earlier name for what is now called Environmental Illness. In a classic case of a man ahead of his time, Randolph began looking at allergies and ahronic disease from the perspective of susceptibility to common foods and chemicals back in the 1940s. This unpopular practice got him kicked out of Northwestern University Medical School and several Chicago-based hospitals. Randolph's book summarizes his extensive research and practice into food allergy/addiction, commonly used chemicals, and the stages of Environmental Illness. Elimination/Challenge Diets and Rotary Diversified Diets are discussed.
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In this excellent follow-up to his earlier book, The Yeast Connection, Crook expands upon the wide-ranging health effects of Candida Albicans, from chronic fatigue to ear problems to PMS, even possible connections to Multiple Sclerosis! Crook also discusses MCS in general, diet, supplements, sugar, antiyeast medications, and a wide range of Candida-related topics.
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This book offers a wide range of solutions for both the newly-diagnosed person with MCS as well as support for people who have been coping with the illness for a long time.
Dr. Mayer emphasizes the following -
Finding doctors and dentists who support the needs of the chemically sensitive.
Comprehensive avoidance of chemicals and materials that cause aggravation. This includes living in a chemical-free home and space, working in a chemical-free environment, and eating chemically-free foods.
Breathing clean air at all times and various air filtration approaches are discussed.
Dr. Mayer discusses sauna therapy at the several centers around the country or using home saunas. In particualr, he says that people with EHS (Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity) find the infra red saunas work better.
Dr. Mayer emphasizes an assortment of supplements to support the liver. This includes vitamins, minerals. In particular, he suggests the hydroxocobalamin form of vitamin B12.
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Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is an encyclopedic survey of what is known about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) that ranges from the historical to reviews of the physiological and psychological hypotheses to extensive presentations of how the lives - both sufferers and significant others - are impacted by it.
There is a Reference section, some 15 pages, that lists many of the relevant scientific papers about MCS over the past some 30 years.
The Appendices, some 98 pages, list many, many resources that may help living with MCS.
A printable form to order this book is available at the following site -
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This book dispels the many myths associated with MCS and is intended to help others articulate their own experiences to family, friends, coworkers, and health care providers. Also included are resources for further information and support, along with a sociologist's view of MCS.
This book is a comprehensive resource for patients with autoimmune disease. The main focus is on specific environmental factors, including heavy metals, hormones, organic solvents, medications, and infectious agents, that lead to autoimmune disease and make they symptoms worse in genetically susceptible persons.
This book is intended to improve the standard of legal services for people with chemical injury. The books covers many areas of chemical injury and the legal process. Several attorneys provide case studies for perspectives on chemical injury and the law.
Chemical Sensitivity is a small (50 pages) monograph summarizing what is known about chemical sensitivity and its causes and treatments, This book covers the Total Load Concept, the Role of Diet, Molecular Medicine, and Diagnosis and Treatment of Chemical Sensitivity.
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This series was the first major scientific series on chemical sensitivity. It cites results from evaluations and treatments on more than 40,000 patients from around the world at the Environmental Health Center in Dallas, Texas. The series includes more than 5,000 references in the medical literature.
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This is an excellent, well-written history spanning some 10 years of an Ohio computer engineer's experiences of developing chemical sensitivity and then electrical sensitivity and then on into extreme hypersensitivities. It is a detailed account of the realities of suffering from an environmental illness (EI) - that is a reality for greater than 10 percent of our population.
The long-time EI sufferer might say "been there, done that," but will still find many useful tips on coping with the many and ongoing day to day challenges.
The newcomer to these illnesses will find a detailed accounting of what's in store, many workaround solutions for coping, along with references to many useful resources.
The layman will find this book an eye opener to a part of our society that we try to pretend does not exist.
The person who says this health condition is "impossible" or has listened to "it's controversial" comments will learn otherwise in extensive detail.
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This book explores low-level chemical exposures causing or aggravating a wide variety of problems, including breathing difficulties, chronic fatigue, digestive problems, Gulf War Syndrome, headaches, memory impairment, mood changes and sick building syndrome. This is one of the first presentations of the concept of adaptation, which may lead to an explanation for the basis for this phenomena. The concept of toxicant-induced loss of tolerance is also presented, which may have some far-reaching implications for future public health and environmental policy.
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This book is considered the "Bible of Clinical Ecology" and presents an extensive summary of medical practice at the time. The book is now out of print. Used copies may be available at various used book vendors for about $10.00.
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This book, by noted scientist and author Devra Davis, covers recent studies from around the world that have documented harmful effects caused by exposure to electromagnetic signals, such as from cell phones and the pervasive wireless environment that computer technology has created. The author covers many of the wireless industry's efforts to stifle disclosure of negative information, or to create disinformation to discredit or cast doubt on scientific findings.
The book covers results finally coming in from the European Interphone study that was supposed to establish cell phones as safe. Instead, many disturbing results continue to develop now that the study is looking at people who have used the phones for more than 8 to 10 years.
The book covers a wide cast of the researchers, in many countries, who have no ties to the wireless industry, but have consistently demonstrated harmful effects.
The author notes that insurance companies are refusing to cover health claims from people who are employed in wireless industry switching centers, where there are presumably high, long-term levels of electromagnetic signals.
The author also notes that real estate values are falling when a cell phone antenna tower is located near the property for sale.
This is excellent documentation of a developing public health issue that should be of concern for everyone.
Much more information is available at the author's Environmental Health Trust web site -
This book presents the conclusions of a long study over many years and many people was that a diet rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium from low-fat dairy products and with at least seven servings a day of fruits and vegetables, along with at least two fish meals a week, is very effective reducing high blood pressure and protects against heart attack and stroke.
This book presents a summary of current knowledge about the "nontraditional" approaches to health maintenance. The book covers the basic nutritional supplements, with especial attention to the antioxidant issues and their relationship to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Additional coverage is given to supplements such as lycoprene, folic acid, glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, co-enzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and even aspirin. Separate chapters are devoted to mineral supplements such as selenium and zinc, biological supplements such as flaxseed oil and borage oil, and hormone supplements such as melatonin and DHEA. Of especial interest - the authors mention interrelationships between many of these nutrients. Extensive coverage is given to "friendly" foods and even "unfriendly" foods are covered. The book wraps up with comments about the mind-body connection and several accounts about medical alternatives.
This book presents a summary of recent research that gives us a new understanding of the aging process and the potential for longer and more satisfying lives. The book presents step-by-step comprehensive diet, exercise, supplements, stress management plans to make simple adjustments to one's metabolism that should improve energy level, strength, stamina, the ability to fight disease and perhaps extend one's life. There are 25 pages of detailed references to technical medical papers from around the world to support the text.
The book has extensive discussions of illness, immunity, diet, energy, exercise and metabolism. It has especial emphasis on the bodily changes as we grow older. The author addresses briefly the harms the 'standard' diet does to us, and gives extensive discussion of a better diet. Also covered in extensive detail are modern nutrients, such as Alpha Lipoic Acid, Dhea, Co-Q10, N-Acetyl Cystein, anti-oxidants, and others.
Web links mentioned -
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This book tries to break the current myth of the benefits of the high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet. With references to archaeological studies into the diet and health of ancient civilizations, the Eades propose bringing our diet more into harmony with the nutritional needs of our "hunter-gatherer" bodies. They discuss the main metabolic hormones, Insulin and Glucagon, along with Glycogen, Glucose, and the liver. A useful handbook including meal plans and nutritional charts.
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Another book on nutrition and "re-setting" the metabolism through a properly balanced diet including enough protein and avoidance of excess carbohydrate. Contains a good discussion of metabolic hormones and a very helpful test to determine if the Carbohydrate Addict's Diet is likely to work for you!
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An excellent companion to the above two books or any diet book. Nutritional counts for nearly all foods from raw fruits and vegetables to prepared frozen dinners. Shows amounts of calories, protein, carbohydrate, fat, cholesterol, sodium, and fiber.
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Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to significant pain, a shorter lifespan, and poor absorption of nutrients and is triggered by intolerance gluten, a protein found in many grains, such as barley, rye, and wheat.
Gluten-free foods and more information about celiac disease, are becoming available in stores and online as well as is more information about the health condition. A recently-published cookbook, "The Gluten-free Almond Flour Cookbook", by Elana Amsterdam, offers 99 gluten-free versions of many common foods. This book, along with extensive information about celiac disease, is available at -
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This book rates 317 U.S. metro areas in 10 critical categories to determine potential toxic loads residents may be exposed to. Essential resource for relocating or traveling to healthier cities, or for improving your current city. Written by freelance journalist who specializes in environmental health issues and who also has 15 years experience in urban planning. 200 pages. $19.95 plus $3.00 S&H. email: rweinhold AT earthlink.net.
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This is a massive, 445 page, 26 chapter, compilation of information that covers most of the concepts of the Healthy House principle. It is printed on 8 1/2 by 11 sheets and amounts to literally an encyclopedia of information about what is, and very importantly, what is not, a truly healthy house.
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This excellent book, written by one of the leaders in the field of non-toxic housing, discusses at length the hidden sources of indoor air pollution resulting from common building materials and construction practices. An excellent resource if you're considering building your own healthy home or renovating an existing structure. Includes a complete set of house plans.
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This book starts with a blunt 'Are You Sensitive to Electromagnetic Energy?' personal history questionnaire to build a background about the reader's electromagnetic experiences. The second chapter presents quotes about the hazards of electromagnetic energy from a wide variety of scientists,physicians, and health policy experts. The third chapter presents safety recommendations that cover cell phones, and wireless exposures in general plus suggestions about how to minimize exposures. A fourth chapter presents questions from a knowledgeable audience and the authors' replies. The book concludes with several pages of books, videos, journal, websites that provide more information. A couple distractions are that the book does not have an index nor does it have a glossary to define the sometimes technical terminology.
Petition to Reduce EMR Standards
Note that the supporting website does have a petition requesting immediate
regulatory action to reduce exposure to electromagnetic energy throughout our
society.
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Here is a collection of links to several on-line bookstores so you can do more research from this page.
A caution is in order. Some online merchants have been less than respectful of privacy concerns by releasing or selling your account information to others, which can result in your name being on yet another mailing list for Unsolicited Commercial Email (UCE or spam). Do check the merchant's privacy disclosure before giving them any personal information.
Follow the links below to learn more about RMEHA and Environmental Illness.